26 Die From Diphtheria In Yobe

The Yobe State Government has confirmed the death of 26 patients due to the diphtheria disease outbreak.

Currently, 21 individuals were receiving medical treatment at various isolation facilities, the state government revealed.

The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Mai Mala Buni, Lawan Gana told Channels Television.

Gana explained a total of 289 patients have been discharged across facilities in the state since the outbreak affected seven local government areas.

To combat the spread of the diphtheria outbreak, Buni’s aide stated that prevention and control measures such as advocacies, sensitization, and community mobilization were actively implemented.

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He said:

“Regarding diphtheria disease, we have 21 active cases, 26 deaths, while 289 have been discharged as of 17th July 2023. We have 336 cumulative numbers from 2022 to 2023.

“Diphtheria which is currently ravaging the country is now recorded in the state with the highest case recorded in Nguru, Bursari, Potiskum, Tarmuwa, Damaturu, Gulani and Nangere LGAs.”

The Governor’s Aide the government expressed its disapproval of the disease outbreak in households that have not received any vaccinations.

Notwithstanding, the state Ministry of Health has taken action by identifying these households and vaccinating children under the age of two.

In addition, the government increased the training of clinical staff to effectively manage cases, particularly during the rainy season.

Furthermore, he said, there were concerns about the potential complications of malaria alongside the diphtheria outbreak.